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In several surveys of clients, I ask,
"Where are you and what are you doing when you get your best ideas?" The
number-one response--"driving in my car." Showering, jogging, and listening to
music follow as other inspiring situations.
No one claimed to get great ideas in the office. Every setting listed as the scene of
creative inspiration involves fun or pleasure. Not one involves thinking or working on the
problem! The ideal setting, then, is away from the workplace goofing off. How can this be?
Consistently creative people open their doors to all sorts of possibilities. The more
possibilities they consider, the better their chances of letting in the wild idea that,
combined with what they know and molded by their specific skills, makes an unmistakably
breakthrough idea.
In short, the creative process thrives on diverse and exotic stimulation. Which is why
creative people need and seek stimulation. The typical office discourages diverse
stimulation. So creative people find it elsewhere.
If you absolutely must keep creative people in the office, at least give them a place
where they can escape its everyday rigors. The more fun and comfortable the place, the
better. The more suited to creative teamwork, the better.
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